Wednesday will be a Big Business Day for Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business.

Nationally syndicated columnist and author Walter Williams will speak at 10 a.m. at the Claudia Crosby Theater and the Geeks will be out in full force from 6 until 9 p.m. on the Bibb Graves Quad.

Williams’ lecture is free to the public and is hosted by the Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy.

Williams is a popular lecturer who has, at times, aimed his words directly toward university students.

He probably struck a nerve with some when he cited an American Council of Trustees and Alumni report on what college students know.

“Nearly 10 percent of the college graduates surveyed thought Judith Sheindlin, TV’s ‘Judge Judy,’ is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court,” Williams said. “Less than 20 percent of the college graduates knew the effect of the Emancipation Proclamation. More than a quarter of the college graduates did not know Franklin D. Roosevelt was president during World War II.”

But Williams will be speaking to students at Troy University who are “in the know.” His lecture will be directed toward Geeks – students who are Globally aware, Engaged with the business community, Ethical decision makers, Knowledgeable to compete and overall Successful.

“Dr. Walter Williams is simply a legend in the field of economics,” said Dr. Judson Edwards, dean of the Sorrell College of Business. “His intellectual contributions distributed through nationally syndicated news columns, radio, television and academic publications, continue to shape and refine economic thought. I have no double all in attendance will find his presentation entertaining, timely and thought provoking.”

Williams, the John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics at George Mason University since 1980, has authored 10 books and more than 150 publications in scholarly journals and has appeared on scores of radio and television programs. His weekly syndicated column appears in some 140 newspapers across the nation.

Later in the day, Geek Fest, an event for current College of Business students and prospective students, will provide an opportunity to learn about opportunities within the Sorrell College of Business.

“The goal of the Geeks campaign is to make our students aware of the overarching strategic initiatives of the college,” Edward said.

“Our faculty and staff work every day to instill these important traits represented by the Geeks’ slogan into our students. In the end, it is my hope that our collective efforts in meaningful teaching, engaging, caring and scholarship will produce graduates with a strong foundation for successful careers and rewarding lives.”

The public is invited to attend Williams’ lecture and then to learn more about the Sorrell College of Business at Geek Fest.